Camera with improved ability to photograph moving objects

Abstract

An auto-focus camera with compensation for object movement along the optic axis of the photo-taking lens determines whether the object speed is greater than a predetermined value. If the result of the determination is negative, normal photography is performed in which a combination of shutter speed and aperture diameter provides a proper exposure in accordance with photometric data. If the result of the determination is affirmative, the aperture is stopped down to a predetermined diameter small enough to provide a large depth of field, and flash photography is performed.

We claim: 
     
       1. A camera having a photo-taking lens, a shutter, a variable aperture, and a flash device, and comprising: (a) means for determining whether an object to be photographed is moving along an optic axis of the photo-taking lens at a speed above a predetermined value;   (b) means for performing photography with said aperture adjusted to a predetermined diameter dependent upon photometric data when the determined speed of the object does not exceed said predetermined value; and   (c) means for performing flash photography with said flash device and with said aperture adjusted to a diameter which is smaller than said predetermined diameter when the determined speed of the object exceeds said predetermined value.   
     
     
       2. A camera according to claim 1, wherein said camera includes means for automatic focusing adjustment of the photo-taking lens and means for modifying the adjustment of the photo-taking lens to compensate for movement of the object along the optic axis of the lens. 
     
     
       3. A camera having a photo-taking lens, a shutter, and a variable aperture, and comprising: (a) means for determining whether an object to be photographed is moving along an optic axis of the photo-taking lens at a speed above a predetermined value;   (b) means for performing photography in which a combination of shutter speed and aperture diameter provides an exposure in accordance with photometric data when the determined speed of the object does not exceed said predetermined value; and   (c) means for performing photography with said aperture adjusted to a diameter which is smaller than said diameter in accordance with said photometric data and with said shutter adjusted to a shutter speed which is slower than said shutter speed in accordance with said photometric data when the determined speed of the object exceeds said predetermined value.   
     
     
       4. A camera having a photo-taking lens, a shutter, and a variable aperture, and comprising: (a) means for determining whether an object to be photographed is moving along an optic axis of the photo-taking lens at a speed above a predetermined value;   (b) means for performing photography in which a combination of shutter speed and aperture diameter provides an exposure in accordance with photometric data when the determined speed of the object does not exceed said predetermined value;   (c) means for performing photography with said aperture adjusted to a diameter which is smaller than said diameter in accordance with said photometric data and with said shutter adjusted to a shutter speed which is slower than said shutter speed in accordance with said photometric data when the determined speed of the object exceeds said predetermined value;   (d) means for automatic focusing adjustment of said photo-taking lens; and   (e) means for modifying the adjustment of said photo-taking lens to compensate for movement of the object along the optical axis of the lens.